Child Safety Policy

If you prefer printing a copy of our Child Safety Policy or saving it to your device, use this PDF file.

PDF – Second Baptist Church Child Safety Policy

This policy was reviewed and adopted by the Leadership Team of Second Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, AR on April 13, 2025 and reported to the church at the Business Meeting on April 27, 2025.

This policy provides guidance to our church as we seek to minister to people while also providing a safe environment for all. All staff and volunteers of kids and students (under 18) will receive a copy of this policy. This policy will remain on our website for public viewing. Printed copies are available at the church office.

The team is tasked with administering the SBCA Safety Policy, reviewing it annually, and reporting to the church at the first quarter business meeting each year. Outside of meetings to address incidents, the team will meet annually in early January to address any policy need changes before the first quarter business meeting.

The five-member “ad hoc committee/team” will be made up of adult men and women church members, including the following: a Deacon, Children’s Minister, Student Minister and two additional church members (preferably with one security team member) with the Pastor as an ex officio member to be involved as he desires or is needed. A chairperson, who is responsible for calling and leading meetings, will be selected by the team. If a team member needs to rotate off the committee, that member will give the chairperson a one month’s notice. See church Bylaws (Section III, 3, C – Page 6) for ad hoc committee instructions for selecting members.

1. Background and Child Maltreatment Checks

All individuals who serve within the SBC Children or Student ministries are required to undergo a federal background check (via Ministry Safe), a National Sex Offender Registry check as well as an Arkansas Child Maltreatment Registry check before serving and at least once every two years thereafter. These checks will be administered by staff members with oversight from the SBC Safety Team.

Volunteers must also answer the following screening questions during the initial interview process.  Each staff and volunteer will give consent for screening by means of a Google form:

1. 1. Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
   2. Have you ever been charged with a crime?
   3. Have you ever been involved in a civil lawsuit (plaintiff or defense)?
   4. Have you ever been accused of sexual abuse?
   5. Have you ever engaged in sexual activity with a minor (physical or through texting/social media)?
   6. Have you ever been investigated for abuse, neglect, or other related allegation?
2. Training

All individuals involved in serving within the SBC Children or Student ministries must undergo child abuse prevention and mandated reporter training within 30 days of starting service and at least every two years thereafter. Training videos will be provided.

3. Review Policies and Procedures

All individuals serving within the SBC Children or Student ministries will be required to annually read and sign the Children’s and Student Ministry Volunteer Form found in this policy.

Our goal is to create and sustain a nurturing environment where children can thrive. For the safety and security of all children (ages 12 and younger), the Children’s Ministry has provided the following guidelines to be followed each time a child is in our care. Our aim is that all workers, paid or volunteer, reflect Christ and aid in nourishing the spiritual growth of the children in our ministry.

1. One-on-one conversations

One-on-one conversations between an adult volunteer and a child should take place in an open, public setting where others can observe.

2. Communication

Appropriate communication with children, students, parents/caregivers, and volunteers is necessary for an effective and healthy ministry. Older children are more interested in engaging, give-and-take conversation. This is the Children’s Ministry Policy for communication:

Social Media/Text/Email

• Volunteers should not be “friends” on social media with children 12 years of age and younger.
• Do not “direct message” children (12 years of age and younger) on any social media platform or send a one-on-one email.
• When sending a message or email to a parent, caregiver, or volunteer of the opposite sex, make it a practice to include another adult in the message (spouse, volunteer, additional parent, etc.).
• Volunteers are encouraged not to post pictures of children on social media. If a parent has requested in writing not to post pictures of their child, do not post.
• Volunteers should not show children their own social media accounts.
• Volunteers should not let children have access to their phones or devices for any reason.

3. Appropriate Interaction

Appropriate touch is part of a healthy children’s ministry. These are safe ministry practices for when, where, and how to use appropriate touch:

• Walking hand in hand with small children
• Carrying small children (no piggy back rides, children on shoulders, or carrying school age children)
• Short, congratulatory/greeting hugs
• Brief, assuring pat on the back or shoulder
• Handshakes and high-fives

Actions you should avoid are listed below:

• Do not get too close to a child’s face or use force of any kind when showing affection.
• Never touch a child in anger or disgust.
• Never touch a child or parent/volunteer in any manner that may be construed as sexually suggestive.
• Never touch a child between the belly button and the knees, with your body or any object.
• Never touch a child’s private body parts. Exceptions are as listed:
  • Diaper changes following the diaper changing policy.
  • Assisting a preschooler in the restroom; in this case, leave the door partially open but stand near the door to allow for privacy.
  • Helping a young, school-aged child with bathroom assistance; in this case, only female volunteers may assist with bathroom needs. Leave the stall door partially open (if applicable) but stand near the door to allow for privacy.
• Never let a school-aged child sit on your lap. Avoid any lap-sitting for children who are able to sit without assistance unless there is written parent consent.
• Never play rough with children or let children play rough with one another.
• Never tickle, wrestle, or kiss children. Do not allow children to tickle, wrestle, or kiss other children.
• Never threaten children, even as a joke.
• Never allow children to discipline, humiliate, or be mean to another child.
• Never be alone in a vehicle with a child, unless you are related to the child.

4. General Appropriateness

• Volunteers should always dress in a respectful manner. No vulgar words or images should be worn.
• Volunteers are prohibited from possessing any sexually oriented materials (magazines, cards, videos, films, clothing, etc.) on church property, during children’s events, or in the presence of children.

5. Classroom Procedures

• Two adults should always be present in classrooms with children. If a volunteer finds him/herself alone, they should notify the Children’s Minister for assistance, move to a more visible area with their class, and/or open the door to the room.
• All Children’s Ministry activities must have two adults present.
• Children should remain in the classroom in which their parents/caregivers leave them, unless necessary room changes have been communicated with parents/caregivers in advance.
• If there are more than two volunteers with a group of children, one volunteer should escort a child to the restroom. The volunteer should check the restroom before the child enters to see if it’s occupied (if it is, wait until the current occupant leaves before allowing the child to enter), and wait outside the restroom until the child is finished. If there are only two teachers with a group of children, direct the child to use the nearest private However, if only a public restroom is available and only two teachers are in the classroom, the classroom door will remain open and the teacher escorting the child to the bathroom will remain in the hallway to hear if a need arises.

6. Behavioral Management Guidelines

• When a child becomes disruptive, begin with these steps:
  • Preschool-aged children:

1. Take the child to another part of the classroom away from the other children.
2. Gain eye contact with him/her.
3. Let the child know their inappropriate behavior.
4. Redirect the child’s attention.

• School-aged children:

1. Restate the rules to the entire class.
2. Gain eye contact with the disruptive child.
3. Walk in the disruptive child’s direction, standing near him/her.
4. Redirect the disruptive child’s attention.
5. Move the child to a different seat or location in the classroom.

• Physical punishment is prohibited for discipline of children, including but not limited to spanking, slapping, pinching, hitting, or any other physical force.
• A child may be restrained only to stop a behavior that may cause immediate harm to the child or others.
• When it is evident that you have an extreme behavioral issue, which cannot be handled in the classroom, contact the Children’s Minister or parent for assistance.

7. Incident Reporting

• If there is a complaint from a parent, other adult, or child, notify the Children’s Minister as soon as possible.
• All instances of child-on-child physical aggression (such as biting or fighting) must be reported to the Children’s Minister. The Children’s Minister will be responsible for communicating with the parent/caregiver if/when deemed appropriate.
• All instances of child-on-child sexualized behavior (based on observations or what a child says) must be reported to the Child Abuse Hotline first (844-SAVEACHILD or mandatedreporter.arkansas.gov) and the Children’s Minister second. The Children’s Minister will be responsible for communicating with the parent/caregiver if/when deemed appropriate.
• All instances of adult-to-child abuse or reasonable suspicion of abuse within the ministry or elsewhere (based on observations or what a child says), must be reported to the Child Abuse Hotline first (844-SAVEACHILD) and the Children’s Minister second. The Children’s Minister will be responsible for communicating with the parent/caregiver if/when deemed appropriate. Note: It is an expectation that the worker contact the Child Abuse Hotline first, if he/she has reasonable suspicion of child abuse or maltreatment. The worker will receive no censure or negative response from church staff for taking this important action.
• If an accident occurs while a child is in your care, complete the following steps:

1. Take care of the immediate health needs of the child
2. Contact the Children’s Minister (and parent, if child is inconsolable or needs more emergent care)
3. Fill out the incident report form
4. Take a picture of both sides of the signed & completed form for church records
5. Give the form to parent at pick-up

Our goal is to create and sustain a safe, secure, and encouraging environment where students can thrive. This policy will help in accomplishing that goal each week.

Conduct Guidelines

1. One-on-one conversations

Private, one-on-one conversations should take place in an open, public setting where others can observe but not hear. Under no circumstances should a student and a staff member or volunteer of the opposite sex be alone together. If a student requests to have a private conversation, such as in the church office, an adult witness should be notified and have visible access to the conversation.

2. Communication

Appropriate communication with students, parents/caregivers, and volunteers is necessary for an effective and healthy ministry. Older Students are more interested in engaging, give-and-take conversation. This is the Student Ministry Policy for communication:

Social Media/Text/Email

• Staff and Volunteers should not be “friends” on social media with students 12 years of age and younger.
• Do not “direct message” students on any social media platform without parental consent or unless the student initiates conversation that is ministry related.
• Under no circumstances will an adult engage with a student via Snapchat or any such social media platform where past communications are not easily accessible or are automatically deleted.
• Staff and volunteers should not send a private text message or email to a student unless for specific ministry related purposes.
• Staff and volunteers should not post pictures of students on personal social media without parental permission.
• Staff and volunteers should not engage in phone calls with students unless it is for a specific ministry related purpose (i.e. asking or answering a specific question).

3. Appropriate Touch

Appropriate touch is part of a healthy student ministry. These are safe ministry practices for when, where, and how to use appropriate touch:

• Short, congratulatory/greeting hugs. If a hug is given between male and female, it should be a “side hug” rather than a “front hug.”
• Brief, assuring pat on the upper back or shoulder
• Handshakes and high-fives
• Honor a student’s personal space by not getting close to their face or using force of any kind when showing affection

The SBC Student Ministry Policy for actions you should avoid are listed below:

• Never touch a student in anger or disgust.
• Never touch a student or parent/volunteer in any manner that may be construed as sexually suggestive.
• Never touch a student’s core between the shoulder/upper back and the knees, with your body or any object. This includes a student’s stomach, thighs, chest, lower back, and private parts.
• Never let a student sit on your lap.
• Avoid playing rough with students or letting students play rough with one another.
• Avoid tickling and wrestling.
• Never threaten students, even as a joke.
• Never allow students to discipline or humiliate another student.
• Avoid being alone in a vehicle with a student, unless you are related to the student.

4. General Appropriateness

• Physical punishment of any kind is prohibited for discipline of students. Students should be redirected verbally. If the problem persists, Parents/caregivers should be notified. Physical restraint should be used only in emergency situations (ex. two students are engaged in a physical altercation and not responding to verbal commands to stop).
• Volunteers/staff are prohibited from possessing any sexually oriented materials (magazines, cards, videos, films, clothing, etc.) on property or in the presence of students.
• Volunteers/staff are prohibited from engaging in the use of sexual innuendos, jokes, as well as crude humor/language.
• Avoid allowing students of opposite genders to be alone together.
• Volunteers/staff are prohibited from the use, possession, or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco, or any illegal drugs while performing ministry duties.
• Volunteers/staff should never be nude in the presence of students. If a volunteer needs to change clothes, it should be done in private away from students (i.e. a separate room with door closed/bathroom).
• Volunteers/staff will wear modest clothing at all times.
• Volunteers/staff will be sensitive to and use good judgment with the content they expose students to or allow students to have access to while they are performing ministerial duties (ex. music, movies, etc.).
• For all student ministry events, especially those necessitating overnight sleeping arrangements, there should be 2 adults present. Adult leaders should NEVER under any circumstance sit, lie, or sleep in the same bed as a student.

5. Observed or Alleged Abuse Procedures

• As indicated by Arkansas Law all staff and volunteers of Second Baptist Church are Mandated Reporters of Child Abuse and Maltreatment.
• All instances of non-consensual student-on-student sexualized behavior (based on observations or what a student says or is otherwise reported) must be reported to the Child Abuse Hotline first (844-SAVEACHILD) and the Student Ministry staff second.
• Any and all consensual student-on-student sexualized behavior taking place during youth activities and/or on SBC’s campus should be reported to the Student Ministry staff. The Student Ministry staff will be responsible for communicating with the parent/caregiver if/when deemed appropriate. The behavior may also need to be reported to the hotline if the ability of either party to provide proper consent is in question or if the age difference between the individuals is such that it breaks Arkansas law.
• All instances of Adult-to-Student abuse or reasonable suspicion of abuse (based on observations or what a child says) must be reported to the Child Abuse Hotline first (844-SAVEACHILD) and the Student Ministry staff second. The Student Ministry staff will be responsible for communicating with the parent/caregiver if/when deemed appropriate. Note: It is an expectation that the worker contact the Child Abuse Hotline first, if he/she has reasonable suspicion of child abuse or maltreatment. The worker will receive no censure or negative response from church staff for taking this important action.
• If an accident occurs at the church and a student is hurt, please notify the Student Ministry staff, and, if helpful, take a picture of the injury to send to the Student Ministry staff. The Student Ministry staff will be responsible for communicating the incident to the parent/caregiver if/when deemed appropriate.

There is a zero tolerance for abuse in SBC’s ministry programs and activities. It is the responsibility of every staff member and volunteer to act in the best interest of all children, youth, and vulnerable persons in every program. If in doubt, it is always best to report what you know or have observed.

In the event that staff or volunteers observe any inappropriate behaviors (i.e. policy violations, neglectful supervision, poor role-modeling, etc.) by other volunteers it is their responsibility to report the policy violations to the Student Ministry staff. In the event that staff or volunteers observe or suspect abuse of any kind (neglect, physical, emotional, or sexual) it is their responsibility to immediately report their observations to the child maltreatment hotline (844–SAVEACHILD) and then to the appropriate staff member.

Violations of the above policies are grounds for immediate dismissal from ministry involvement, disciplinary action, or, if merited, reported for criminal investigation.

This policy is designed to meet three goals:

1. To ensure a safe environment for anyone attending our church.
2. To provide peace of mind for parents.
3. To allow everyone opportunities to worship, including those under registered sex offender (RSO) status. Please note that the church does not guarantee that services will be provided for persons with RSO status. If the required number of volunteers is not available to provide services, then none will be offered.

This policy affirms that all are sinners and that to those who repent, God offers full forgiveness because of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Though those forgiven may be freed from ongoing shame, forgiveness does not mean the removal of all the implications or consequences of past sin.

Requirements of the Policy:

1. Persons with RSO status are not allowed to attend any SBCA event until they agree to adhere to the protocols below and the conditions stated in the Attendance Agreement. Until the conditions below are met, they may worship online by streaming our Sunday morning worship service.
2. Persons with RSO status are not to be present or involved in Second Baptist Church of Arkadelphia’s (SBCA) children or student ministries. This restriction includes (if applicable) checking their children in for children/student ministry events. This restriction will persist even if RSO status is removed.
3. Persons with RSO status must notify church staff before coming on campus or participating in any event. They cannot attend events where children are present, or any event where someone they harmed or their family is present until agreement has been met as described in this policy.
4. Persons with RSO status may only attend one predetermined event per week. The congregation will be informed that a RSO is in attendance.
5. Persons with RSO status are required to have a shepherding presence whenever attending the allowed predetermined service at SBCA. The SBCA Safety Team will assign a shepherd. These individuals cannot be family members of one with RSO status, but we do want them to be people that they know, trust, and like. In function, these individuals should be viewed as supportive friends.

Persons with RSO status must meet their shepherd(s) in person when arriving at their allowed predetermined event. Prior to attending, persons with RSO status are responsible for contacting one of the appointed shepherds and making arrangements to meet that shepherd before entering church property. If no shepherds are available on a given day, participation that day would be limited to watching the service online.

After the allowed predetermined event, persons with RSO status will check out with their shepherd. Between these times, this shepherding individual will be within sight lines at all times.

The aftercare of the Victim/Survivor will be prioritized by the Church Safety Team.

Resources made available will include, but not be limited to, spiritual counsel and connection to area advocates, trauma informed counselors, domestic violence shelters, pregnancy resource centers, and other service organizations found in the attached “Clark County Resource Guide.”

Adult Abuse Allegations

Any allegations of adult abuse within the SBCA ministry should be reported to the Church Safety Team. Appropriate resources and support will be made available to involved individuals.

Documentation of Abuse Reports

The Church Safety Team will maintain records of all instances of abuse and accusations of abuse kept in the church’s business office files.

An abuse report form can be found in the appendix to this policy.

Open Investigations

Any individual accused of a sexual offense will not be allowed to take part in any ministry leadership role during the course of the investigation. All staff and volunteers are asked to report to the Church Safety Team if they are accused of abuse and/or are the subject of an investigation.

Sharing Information about Ministry Abuse Allegations with Congregation

Information about relevant abuse will not be hidden from the congregation.

The Church Safety Team, in collaboration with victim/survivor and investigators, will formulate the best plan to share information about individual occurrences of abuse within the ministry.

Pregnancy Resource Center of Southwest Arkansas  (870) -210-5353

https://arkadelphiapregnancy.com/

Pregnancy Resource Centersa@live.com

702 Carpenter, St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

Percy and Donna Malone Child Safety Center           (870) -403-6879

https://www.pdmcsc.org/

442 Mt. Zion Road, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

Ouachita Behavioral Health and Wellness

https://obhaw.org/

(501) -624-7111 and (800) -264-2410

Arkansas Trauma Trained Clinician Database

https://psychiatry.uams.edu/arbest/find-a-clinician/

Living Well- ABSC

https://arkansasfamilies.org/counseling/  (501) 737-4320

Domestic Violence Shelters    (501) 701-4253

Ouachita Family Center

Food Bank

https://arkansasfoodbank.org/locations/

Department of Human Services

602 South 10th Street, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

(870) -246-9886

Housing Authority

https://www.housingarkadelphia.org/

(870) -246-4632

670 South 6th Street, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

414 Court Street, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

(870) 246-9868

Arkadelphia Police Dept.

514 Clay St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

(870)246-4545

Clark County Sheriff’s Dept    (870) 246-2222

406 S. 5th,Arkadelphia, AR 71923

Lighthouse Ministries             (870) 246-9524

905 US 67, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

ABSC Sexual Abuse Response and Resource Team Resources-

www.absc.org/pra

To apply to volunteer, please download, print, and complete the following form. Turn it in to the church office or corresponding minister.

Children’s and Student Ministry Volunteer Form

I agree to the following conditions:

1. I will be assigned a shepherd who will oversee my pastoral care and ensure that this agreement is being followed.
2. I will fully cooperate with all expectations from my legal trial conviction and requirements connected to my RSO status– meeting with my parole officer, case manager, certified sex offender treatment therapist, or other expectations stipulated in my case.
3. I will get approval from my parole officer (or functional equivalent) to attend Second Baptist Church of Arkadelphia (SBCA). A copy of a signed authorization will be provided to the Church Safety Team.
4. I agree to have a link to my RSO profile emailed to the SBCA staff, the ushers, the deacon security team, the church security officer, and the point person(s) over children and student ministries.
5. I will not attend any SBCA services or activities without an approved shepherd. If no members of my shepherding team are available, I will not attend any SBCA services or activities.
6. I will not serve in any role in a SBCA ministry without prior approval from my shepherd.
7. I acknowledge and agree that all children and student areas are off limits at all times, even if my own children are attending SBCA and are present and participating in SBCA children or student ministries or activities. I will not supervise any children’s activities nor enter a designated children’s area. I will not serve in SBCA children or youth ministries.
8. I will not visit the home of a SBCA family where children are present, without the parent knowing my history and giving permission for my entry into their home.
9. I will promptly leave any area on SBCA property where children or teens are present.
10. I will not have any physical contact with a child at SBCA, including, without limitation, sitting next to a child, holding a child on my lap, or being hugged or kissed by a child at SBCA. If a child other than my own approaches me to talk, I will politely acknowledge him or her and promptly leave the area.
11. I will stay within the line of sight and casual talking distance of my shepherd or approved person whenever I am at a SBCA event or service. When I go to the restroom, my shepherd or approved individual will be in the restroom area.
12. I understand that my shepherd will fully cooperate with any legal inquiry.

Every RSO seeking fellowship within the church here at Second must comply with our “Attendance Agreement” and complete the following form for review. The Child Safety Team will review the information and reconnect with the RSO after sufficient discussion. If there is a decision to move forward, the team will present a well-devised plan based upon our “RSO Policy” and “Attendance Agreement.”

Registered Sex Offender (RSO) Attendance Agreement

In the event there is an incident, please download, print off, and complete the following form.

Abuse Report Form